Florida Living | Nocatee Blog

Master-planned communities (MPCs) are making it easier than ever for couples and spouses to enjoy some quality time right at home.

Whether you’re new parents or have been together for decades, researchers agree that quality time is important to nurture a healthy relationship, and many recommend a “date night” that is set in stone on the calendar. In fact, one study by the National Marriage Project showed those who regularly booked weekly “couple time” were 3.5 times more likely to report being very happy in their relationships. But why just spend time doing the same old when there are several options for spicing things up, right in your own community?

The novelty theory suggests that breaking the monotony of dinner and a movie or other routine dates with new experiences can help reward the brain with the same dopamine and norepinephrine that gave the two of you butterflies in your early relationship days.

From scheduled events to spontaneous activities, there are several ways to enjoy date night (or day) without even leaving your neighborhood. Here are some low-and no-cost date ideas:

1.) Picnic in the park - when was the last time the two of you had a picnic basket and blanket all to yourselves? Grab some vino and fine cheese, then head to a quiet green space with plenty of ambiance.

2.) Stroll under the stars - with ample walking paths and running trails, MPCs make it easy to take your relationship off the beaten path. Take a moonlit walk on a nice evening to enjoy some good conversation among the constellations.

3.) Attend a wine tasting- wine tasting is a sensuous experience in itself. Factor in savory cheeses and quality time with a partner, and you have a recipe for spicing things up. MPCs like Black Creek regularly host wine and beer tasting events for residents looking to expand their palates.

4.) Take a class or join a club - from yoga to Brazilian jiu jitsu and pottery making, learning a new skill is a great way to depart from your weekly routine and learn some new skills in the progress. MPCs like Nocatee offer a variety of resident clubs and interest groups that meet right within the community. You and your partner may discover a new favorite hobby, or simply enjoy laughing at each other while getting the hang of your new activity.

5.) Bike for ice cream - talk about killing two birds with one stone. Physical exercise is shown to enhance your overall mood, but throw in your partner and a sweet reward and there’s just no good reason not to cruise down to the local frozen yogurt or ice cream parlor.

6. & 7.) Shop the farmers’ market, then make dinner together - what could be more romantic than a quiet evening at home? One where your date began hours earlier when planning your menu while shopping at your neighborhood farmers’ market for fresh ingredients from local growers.

Master-planned communities like Nocatee create a wide range of planned resident events and activities to help you keep date nights interesting. Armed with a little imagination, the date possibilities within your community are virtually endless.

To learn more about new homes available in Nocatee, visit nocatee.com, stop by the Nocatee Welcome Center or call 1-800-NOCATEE.